Course Overview
I discovered a game-changing secret while working at Apple: designers with real strategic power have mastered the art of wielding data. For more than a decade, I've helped anxious designers become trusted strategic leaders through visual approaches to metrics that actually work.
Here's the truth: the design leaders with real strategic power don't just describe ROI—they show it with data. This course shares proven insider methods that consistently deliver results. And when you combine these methods with Make Strong Arguments, you'll master actionable techniques that make design impossible to ignore.
One of our students put it perfectly: "I used to fear metrics and spend hours defending decisions. The visual approach made data feel natural, and my entire team uses it to shape company strategy. Most importantly, executives come to us first for strategic insights."
Tired of defending your decisions? Ready to start driving them instead? This course will turn your greatest source of anxiety into your secret weapon for strategic influence—guaranteed.
There's a critical difference between designers who describe their ROI and those who shape business. At Apple, I discovered what separates them: it's not better communication—it's the power to have data that backs your case.
This isn't another course about presenting design better. This is about gaining and wielding real strategic power. Through a uniquely visual, designer-friendly approach to metrics, you'll learn the insider methods that top tech companies actually use to make design a strategic force.
A recent Design Director captured the transformation: "I used to spend hours preparing decks to justify my team's decisions. Now, executives come to us before making strategic choices because we have the data to drive business direction, not just defend our designs. This course didn't just change how I work—it changed my entire position in the company."
While other programs teach you to communicate ROI, this course shows you how to build such compelling evidence that executives seek your strategic guidance first. When combined with Write-Speak-Communicate: A Masterclass in Influence, you'll possess a superpower to show design is an undeniable driver of business.
Who is this for?
Senior Designers ready to move from explaining decisions to driving them
Design Managers determined to gain true strategic power, not just better presentation skill
DesignOps professionals who want to shape company strategy, not just support it
Design Executives seeking to transform design from a service into a strategic force at scale
What you will get out of this course
Strategic Metrics Sense-making
Learn the exact methods used to elevate design to a strategic function. Not theory—proven approaches refined through 10+ years of design leadership at Apple, EA, and USAA.
Visual Decision-Making Frameworks
Transform complex data into clear, compelling evidence that drives strategic choices. Built specifically for designers, these visual methods make metrics intuitive and actionable.
ROI Measurement Tools
Custom spreadsheets and calculators that reveal the direct connection between design decisions and business outcomes. Create evidence so compelling that executives seek your strategic input first.
Proprietary Frameworks and Templates
Proprietary frameworks, templates, and worksheets developed from real-world success at leading tech companies. Everything you need to establish design as a strategic driver at your company.
This course includes
Over 10 hours of interactive, recorded sessions
Lifetime access to course materials
29 in-depth lessons
10 projects to apply learnings
Feedback & reflection (upon request)
Course certificate upon completion (upon request)
Course Syllabus
Module 1: Strategic Evidence Mapping
Master the art of connecting design decisions directly to business outcomes. Learn how top companies transform complex metrics into clear, persuasive evidence of design's strategic value.
Module 2: Introduction to Correlation and Linear Regression Analysis
Develop an intuitive understanding of correlation analysis and pattern recognition. Learn to identify and present the metrics that matter most to senior leadership.
Module 3: From Metrics to Strategic Power
Move beyond reporting metrics to leading with them. Create compelling strategic narratives that position you as a trusted business advisor.
Module 4: Embed and Implement Data Insights
Apply your new skills to real organizational challenges. Get guidance on embedding these approaches within your team and establishing design as a strategic function.
The top choice of design leaders looking for a big advantage.
What students are saying?
"Excellent course with lots of practical examples."
- Bryan, Product Designer, Select Health
"I know how to approach metrics now. I have been using the materials in the course. Ryan is a great instructor and has an ability to distill information in a succinct way!"
- Mican, Product Manager
"I’ve taken classes to upgrade my business + design knowledge throughout my career, and highly recommend this class. Ryan brings clarity and patient insight to reframing how we collaborate with our partners on customer outcomes. His toolkit is both practical and actionable."
- Lawrence, Executive Director, JP Morgan Chase
"Ryan's course provided me with a framework to make my team more data-informed. Throughout the sessions, he shared his experiences to help us understand the concepts and navigate stakeholder relationships effectively, enabling us to drive impactful outcomes."
- Jeet, Staff UX Designer, ServiceNow
"Engaging, fun and insightful. Really appreciated Ryan's energy! I got actionnable knowledge from day one, and a bunch of content to keep exploring. Thanks for a great course!"
- Catalina, Senior Product Designer, Pennylane
"Ryan is an excellent instructor, mentor, and guide, walking our cohort through new concepts, frameworks, and exercises with calm and ease. I came away with methods and tools that I can apply to my work immediately. I highly recommend this course!"
- Nathan, Chief Product Officer, New Zealand Mint
Meet your Instructor
Ryan Rumsey
For 20+ years, Ryan worked as a designer and executive at Apple, Electronic Arts, USAA, Nestlé, and Comcast. He is also the author of Business Thinking for Designers.
Ryan spent 10+ years as the senior design leader charged with building and scaling design organizations.
For the last four years, Ryan has been teaching design executives, leaders, and teams as CEO of Second Wave Dive and lead instructor of CDO School.
